Breckenridge massage therapist sex assault case moves forward

BRECKENRIDGE – The case of a local massage therapist charged with felony sexual assault on an 18-year-old woman will move forward after Summit County Court Judge Rachel J. Olguin-Fresquez determined probable cause Wednesday.Wang Kho, who was 28 when the alleged incident occurred, is scheduled for his first appearance before 5th Judicial District Judge Terry Ruckriegle on Feb. 1 at 8:30 a.m.Wednesday’s preliminary hearing included Breckenridge Police Detective Kevin McCarthy’s testimony regarding the statement of the alleged victim, who lives in California. Attorney Sean McAllister, who represents Kho, argued that “hearsay” without physical evidence was insufficient for the case to move forward.Anne Francis, attorney with 5th Judicial District Attorney Mark Hurlbert’s office, responded that the victim’s statement – including McCarthy’s description of her as visibly crying and shaking – was enough to move the case to district court. Other points regarding the statement, such as the alleged victim’s decision to pay and tip Kho for the massage, were also discussed before the probable cause determination. McAllister said Kho has an “impeccable reputation in the community” and that “this is a case where an innocent man’s life is being destroyed” by a client.Francis said that “no one goes into a massage expecting” what was alleged.”He took advantage of her,” she said. Olguin-Fresquez said that considering the evidence presented, there was “nothing to indicate” the victim was lying in her statement – which accuses Kho of touching her privates, exposing himself and trying to initiate sex. Olguin-Fresquez also changed Kho’s bond conditions Wednesday to allow him to give chair massages at a local restaurant with the owner’s consent and court approval, and to provide couples massages – because the situations don’t place him alone with a female client. Kho may continue giving men massages, but he is not allowed to be in contact with children other than his 10-month old son, among other bond conditions.Kho and his wife, Julie Anya Friedman, continue to operate Sol Impressions. McAllister said in court Wednesday that “this case has devastated Mr. Kho” and that about 75 percent of his business has been lost since the Dec. 5 arrest. Robert Allen can be contacted at (970) 668-4628 or rallen@summitdaily.com.